System, method and apparatus for processing cartridges en masse

ABSTRACT

A cartridge processing system can have a base to support cartridges on an underlying support surface. The base can include a rack with support holes to support respective ones of the cartridges. In addition, a tray having a tray bottom can be removably placed on tops of the cartridges. A platform with platform holes can be substantially coaxially aligned with respective ones of the support holes. The tray can have a funnel extending from the platform. The funnel can form a perimeter around the platform holes, such that the platform holes can be conduits for product to be placed in the cartridges.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat.App. No. 62/807,942, filed Feb. 20, 2019, and is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application generally relates to handling containers for productand, in particular, to a system, method and apparatus for manuallyprocessing cartridges en masse.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Manually loading products into containers can be challenging and timeconsuming. For example, accurately loading loose and particulate-typeproducts into small containers by hand can be particularly cumbersome.Although existing designs and methods are workable, improvements inloading containers with product continue to be of interest.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for cartridge processingare disclosed. For example, versions can include a cartridge processingsystem having a base configured to support cartridges on an underlyingsupport surface. The base can include a rack with support holesconfigured to support respective ones of the cartridges. In addition, atray comprising a tray bottom can be configured to be removably placedon tops of and, in some examples, supported by all of, the cartridges. Aplatform with platform holes can be configured to be substantiallycoaxially aligned with respective ones of the support holes. The traycan have a funnel extending from the platform. The funnel can form aperimeter around the platform holes, such that the platform holes areconfigured to be conduits for product to be placed in the cartridges.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appendedclaims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of example embodiments, reference will now bemade to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge processingsystem, shown assembled.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the system of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1, shown with thetamper removed.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, shown withoutthe tamper.

FIGS. 8A-8F depict embodiments of a method of using the system of FIG.1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view depicting an embodiment of the systemshown during unloading of the cartridges from the rack.

FIG. 10 is a top exploded, isometric view of another embodiment of acartridge processing system.

FIG. 11 is bottom exploded, isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 afterassembly.

FIG. 13 is a top exploded, isometric view of an alternate embodiment ofa cartridge processing system.

FIG. 14 is bottom exploded, isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 afterassembly.

DEFINITIONS

Various terms are used to refer to particular system components.Different companies may refer to a component by different names—thisdocument does not intend to distinguish between components that differin name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims,the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-endedfashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but notlimited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended tomean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first devicecouples to a second device, that connection may be through a directconnection or through an indirect connection via other devices andconnections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of theinvention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred,the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used,as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. Inaddition, one skilled in the art will understand that the followingdescription has broad application, and the discussion of any embodimentis meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended tointimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, islimited to that embodiment.

FIGS. 1-9 depict embodiments of a cartridge processing system, methodand apparatus. For example, versions of the cartridge processing system101 can include a support tray or rack 103 configured to support aplurality of cartridges 104. Embodiments of the rack 103 can include abase 105 with base holes 107 (FIG. 2). In some examples, a support 109can be cantilevered from the base 105. The support 109 can includesupport holes 111. Versions of the base holes 107 can be substantiallycoaxial with respective ones of the support holes 111, as shown. In someembodiments, the cartridges 104 can be configured to be supported inrespective pairs of the base and support holes 107, 111 (FIG. 1).Examples of the cartridges 104 can be configured to extend through thebase holes 107 to an exterior of a bottom of the base 105 (FIG. 7).

In some embodiments of the rack 103 (FIG. 7), the base holes 107 canhave a base hole diameter 113 that is less than a support hole diameter115 of the support holes 111. Examples of both the base 105 and thesupport 109 can be substantially flat. In one version, the base 105 andthe support 109 can be substantially parallel to each other and joinedby a curved member 117 (FIGS. 1-3) to form a c-shaped side view profile.

Embodiments of the cartridge processing system 101 also can include aframe or guide 121. The guide 121 can be configured to be locatedadjacent, such as around, the rack 103 of cartridges 104. In someversions, the guide 121 can include walls 123 extending substantiallyvertically therefrom. Examples of the walls 123 can be located onopposite lateral sides of the guide 121. In addition, versions of theguide 121 can include an open front, top and bottom (FIG. 2) configuredto receive the rack 103, and a closed back 125 extending between thewalls 123. In one example, the closed back 125 can have a shortervertical height than the walls 123.

The cartridge processing system 101 also can include embodiments havinga product bowl or tray 131. The tray 131 can be configured to engage theguide 121. For example, the tray 131 can have a lower end 133 withreceptacles 135 configured to engage respective ones of the walls 123 ofthe guide 121. The tray 131 can further include a platform 137 withplatform holes 139. During operation, examples of the platform holes 139can be configured to be substantially coaxial with the base and supportholes 107, 111 of the rack 103. Embodiments of the tray 131 can includea funnel 141. The funnel 141 can extend, such as outward and upward,from the platform 137. Versions of the funnel 141 can form a perimeteraround the platform 137 and platform holes 139.

Embodiments of the cartridge processing system 101 also can include atamper 151. Versions of the tamper 151 can include a handle 152, whichcan be configured to engage the tray 131. In an example, the tamper 151can include a plurality of extensions 153. The extensions 153 can beconfigured to extend through respective ones of the platform holes 139and into respective ones of the cartridges 104. The number of extensions153 can match the number of platform holes 139, in some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 7, versions of the platform holes 139 can have aplatform hole diameter 143 that is less than a cartridge inner diameter106 of the cartridges 104. In some embodiments, the platform holes 139can taper down in diameter from an upper vertical elevation to a lowervertical elevation at the platform hole diameter 143, as illustrated.

In other embodiments, an underside 145 of the tray 131, opposite theplatform 137, can include cartridge recesses 147. The cartridge recesses147 can circumscribe respective ones of the platform holes 139, asshown. In some versions, the cartridge recesses 147 can be configured toreceive tops of respective ones of the cartridges 104. For example, thetray 131 can be configured to seat on tops of the cartridges 104.Moreover, the guide 121 can be configured to merely guide alignment ofthe tray 131 with the guide 121. In one example, the tray 131 can beconfigured to be vertically spaced apart from (and substantially free ofcontact with) the guide 121 (see gaps 149 in FIGS. 5 and 7) when thetray 131 is seated on tops of the cartridges 104.

Examples of the cartridges 104 can include a particular size. In oneversion, each cartridge 104 can have an axial length of about 50 mm, anouter diameter of about 12 mm, and an inner diameter of about 10 mm.Versions of the cartridges 104 can be closed, such as sealed, plugged orcapped on one or both ends, with a device such as the plugs 108 shown.In one embodiment, each plug 108 can insert into a cartridge 104 at anaxial depth of insertion of about 9 mm. Thus, in one example, acartridge 104 plugged at both ends with plugs 108 (FIG. 8F) would haveabout 32 mm of axial length to contain product.

Embodiments of the extensions 153 of the tamper 151 can comprisecylinders. Each extension 153 can have a distal axial length portion 155(FIG. 8E) configured to substantially match the plug axial depth ofinsertion of the upper plugs 108 in the cartridges 104 (FIG. 8F), whichagain can be about 9 mm.

Embodiments of methods of using the cartridge filling system 101 alsoare included. For example, one version of the method can start assuggested in FIG. 2 with the loading of cartridges 104 in the rack 103on an underlying support surface. The loaded cartridges 104 can extendabove a top of the rack 103, as shown. Bottoms of the loaded cartridges104 also can be substantially flush with the bottom of the rack 103 andthe underlying support surface. In an embodiment, the method can includeclosing one end of each cartridge 104 with a cap or plug 108 (see FIG.7). The method can include positioning the frame or guide 121 around therack 103 of cartridges 104 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), aligning the tray 131with the frame 121, and seating the tray 131 on tops of the cartridges104.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the method can continue by loading the tray 131with a selected amount of product 420. The product 420 can include, forexample, loose particles of material. Thereafter, the method can includemanipulating the product 420 in the tray 131 (FIG. 8B) to fall into thecartridges 104. For example, this can be manually such as with a spatula161 or other device, or by hand. The method can continue by tamping theproduct 420 with the tamper 151 (FIG. 8C) further down into thecartridges 104. Embodiments of the method can include furthermanipulating the product 420 (FIG. 8D) remaining in the tray 131 to fallinto the cartridges 104. Thereafter, the method can include furthertamping of and slightly compressing the product 420 (FIG. 8E) in thecartridges 104. After the cartridges 104 are filled with a desiredamount of product 420, the method can include removing the tray 131 fromthe tops of the cartridges 104, and removing the rack 103 of cartridges104 from the frame 121. Examples of the method can include closing thecartridges 104 (FIG. 8F) with upper caps or plugs 108 with the product420 inside the cartridges 104.

In FIG. 9, a version of the method can include removing the loaded andsealed cartridges 104 from the rack 103. For example, this can includesliding (e.g., manually sliding, see large arrows) the rack 103 off ofthe underlying support surface 102, and supporting (e.g., manuallysupporting) the rack 103 above a container 100. In this method, thecartridges 104 supported by the rack 103 can fall through the bottom ofthe rack 103 (and through support holes 111 and base holes 107) into thecontainer 100. In some embodiments, the entire process can be performedand completed with manual labor, such that no machines (e.g., a lever,pulley, etc.) or electronics are required.

FIGS. 10-12 depict another embodiment of a cartridge processing system,method and apparatus. For example, versions of the cartridge processingsystem 201 can include a base 205 and a support rack 203 configured tosupport a plurality of cartridges 204. Cartridges 204 can be similar oreven identical to cartridges 104 described earlier. In some versions,the base 205 and rack 203 can be separate, individual components (asshown). In other versions, the base 205 and rack 203 can be integrallyformed as a single, monolithic component (see, e.g., FIGS. 13-15).

Versions of the base 205 can include a generally rectangular, plate-likeappearance, such as a plate 207. The plate 207 can include a surfacearea on which the rack 203 can be supported by the base 205. Examples ofthe base 205 can include one or more tabs 206 (e.g., two shown)extending laterally from opposite sides of the plate 207. Each tab 206can include a guide, such as a rod 221. When the base 205 is horizontal,the rods 221 can extend vertically upward therefrom for a selecteddistance. In the addition, the base 205 can include or more handles 210(e.g., two shown). The handles 210 can be located opposite from eachother along the perimeter of the plate 207, such as the front and backof the base 205. The handles 210 can be configured for manualmanipulation of the base 205 (and the rack 203, when it is on the base205) by a user.

Embodiments of the rack 203 can be generally rectangular in shape, andcan have a block-like appearance. The rack 203 can include support holes211. Versions of the support holes 211 can have a larger inner diameterat a top of the rack 203 (FIG. 10), and a smaller inner diameter at abottom of the rack 203 (FIG. 11). In some embodiments, the cartridges204 can be configured to have a consistent outer diameter. The outerdiameter of the cartridges 204 can be smaller than the inner diameter ofthe support holes 211 at the top of the rack 203, and larger than theinner diameter of the support holes 211 at the bottom of the rack. Thecartridges 204 can be supported and retained (i.e., by gravity) in thesupport holes 211 of the rack 203, as shown. Cartridges 204 can beincluded in a plurality of the racks 203 in an operational fillingprocess. The cartridges 204 and racks 203 can be interchangeable.

The cartridge processing system 201 also can include embodiments havinga product bowl or tray 231. The tray 231 can be configured tosubstantially the same or even identical to tray 131 described herein.Just as tray 131 can engage guide 121, tray 231 can engage the guides orrods 221. Embodiments of the tray 231 can have a lower end 233 withreceptacles 235 configured to slidably and releasably engage respectiveones of the rods 221. In one example, the rods 221 can extend throughthe receptacles 235. The tray 231 can further include a platform 237with platform holes 239. During operation, examples of the platformholes 239 can be configured to be substantially coaxial with thecartridges 204 in the support holes 211 of the rack 203. Embodiments ofthe tray 231 can include a funnel 241. The funnel 241 can extend, suchas outward and upward, from the platform 237. Versions of the funnel 241can form a perimeter around the platform 237 and platform holes 239.

As previously described for the embodiment of FIG. 7, versions of theplatform holes 239 can have a platform hole diameter that is less than acartridge inner diameter of the cartridges 204. In some embodiments, theplatform holes 239 can taper down in diameter from an upper verticalelevation to a lower vertical elevation at the platform hole diameter243, as described before.

In other embodiments, an underside 245 (FIG. 11) of the tray 231,opposite the platform 237, can include cartridge recesses 247. Thecartridge recesses 247 can be similar or even identical to the cartridgerecesses 147 described herein for another embodiment. In some versions,the cartridge recesses 247 can be configured to receive tops ofrespective ones of the cartridges 204. For example, the tray 231 can beconfigured to seat on tops of the cartridges 204. Moreover, the guidesor rods 221 can be configured to merely guide alignment of the tray 231with the base 205 and tray 203 of cartridges 204.

Examples of the cartridge processing system 201 can include one or morespacers or bushings 222. The bushings 222 can be configured to slidablyand releasably mounted to respective ones of the rods 221. The bushings222 can comprise cylinders with coaxially centered cylindrical holes.The axial dimension of the bushings 222 can be selectively configured.For example, the tray 231 can be configured to be vertically spacedapart from (and substantially free of contact with) the bushings 222 onthe rods 221 (e.g., by small gaps) when the tray 231 is seated on topsof the cartridges 204. In some versions, the bushings 222 can have abushing axial length that is less than a rod axial length of the rods221. There can be a clearance or gap between the bushings 222 and thetray 231 when the tray 231 is seated on tops of the cartridges 204.

Embodiments of the cartridge processing system 201 also can include atamper 251, which can be similar or even identical to tamper 151described earlier, and can function in the same way. Versions of thetamper 251 can include a handle 252 and extensions 253.

Embodiments of methods of using the cartridge filling system 201 alsoare included. The methods can be similar and use similar techniques asdescribed for other embodiments herein. For example, one version of themethod can start with the loading of cartridges 204 in the rack 203. Oneend of each cartridge 204 can be closed with a cap or plug. The methodcan include positioning the rack 203 on the base 205, aligning thereceptacles 235 of the tray 231 with the rods 221, and seating the tray231 on tops of the cartridges 204.

Versions of the method can continue by loading the tray 231 with aselected amount of product. The product can include, for example, looseparticles of material. Thereafter, the method can include manipulatingthe product in the tray 231 to fall into the cartridges 204. The methodcan continue by tamping the product with the tamper 251 further downinto the cartridges 204. Embodiments of the method can include furthermanipulating the product remaining in the tray 231 to fall into thecartridges 204. Thereafter, the method can include further tamping ofand slightly compressing the product in the cartridges 204. After thecartridges 204 are filled with a desired amount of product, the methodcan include removing the tray 231 from the tops of the cartridges 204,and removing the rack 203 of cartridges 204 from the base 205. Examplesof the method can include closing the cartridges 204 with upper caps orplugs with the product inside the cartridges 204. A version of themethod can include removing the loaded and sealed cartridges 104 fromthe rack 103. Another rack 203 of cartridges 204 without product canthen be placed on the base 205 such that the method can repeat.

FIGS. 13-15 depict another embodiment of a cartridge processing system,method and apparatus. For example, versions of the cartridge processingsystem 301 can be similar and, in some features and components,identical to the embodiment of system 201, including a base 305, supportrack 303 and cartridges 304. In this version, the base 205 and rack 203can be integrally formed as a single, monolithic component. Cartridges304 can be included in a plurality of the racks 303 in an operationalproduct filling process. The cartridges 304 and racks 303 can beinterchangeable.

Versions of the base 305 can include a plate 307 with tabs 306 andguides, such as rods 321 on opposite sides. Embodiments also can includea tray 331 with receptacles 335 that can engage rods 321. The tray 331can further include a platform 337 with platform holes 339, a funnel 341and a tamper 351, as described for the other embodiments.

Examples of the cartridge processing system 301 can include spacers orbushings 322. The bushings 322 can be configured to slidably andreleasably mounted to respective ones of the rods 321. The bushings 322can comprise cylinders with coaxially centered cylindrical holes. Theaxial dimension of the bushings 322 can be selectively configured. Forexample, the tray 331 can be vertically spaced apart from the bushings322 (by small gaps) while engaged with the rods 321 when the tray 331 isseated on tops of the cartridges 304. In some versions, the bushings 322can have a bushing axial length that is longer than that of bushings222, since tray 303 is formed in base 305.

Embodiments of methods of using the cartridge filling system 301 alsoare included. The methods can be similar and use similar techniques asdescribed for other embodiments herein. A plurality of racks 303 (andbases 305) of cartridges 304 without product can be can be used torepeat the method.

Other embodiments may include one or more of the following features.

1. A cartridge processing system, comprising:

-   -   a base configured to support cartridges on an underlying support        surface, the base having a rack with support holes configured to        support respective ones of the cartridges; and    -   a tray comprising a tray bottom configured to be removably        placed on tops of the cartridges, a platform with platform holes        configured to be substantially coaxially aligned with respective        ones of the support holes, and the tray has a funnel extending        from the platform, wherein the funnel forms a perimeter around        the platform holes, such that the platform holes are configured        to be conduits for product to be placed in the cartridges.

2. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the base and therack are integrally formed as a single, monolithic structure.

3. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the base and therack are separate components, such that the rack can be placed on andremoved from the base.

4. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the rackcomprises a plurality of racks, each of which can be selectively usedwith the base.

5. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the support holescomprise a support hole inner diameter that is greater than a cartridgeouter diameter of the cartridges.

6. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein both the base andthe platform are substantially flat.

7. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, further comprising aguide configured to be located adjacent the rack.

8. The cartridge processing system of claim 7, wherein a tray portion ofthe tray comprises a receptacle configured to engage the guide.

9. The cartridge processing system of claim 7, wherein guide portions ofthe guide are configured to be located on opposite lateral sides of therack.

10. The cartridge processing system of claim 7, wherein the guide isconfigured to guide alignment of the tray with the rack, such that thetray is configured to be vertically spaced apart from the rack when thetray is seated on tops of the cartridges.

11. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the platform ofthe tray is opposite the tray bottom.

12. The cartridge processing system of claim 11, wherein the tray bottomcomprises cartridge recesses that circumscribe respective ones of theplatform holes, and the cartridge recesses are configured to receivetops of respective ones of the cartridges.

13. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the platformholes have a platform hole diameter that is less than a cartridge innerdiameter of the cartridges.

14. The cartridge processing system of claim 13, wherein the platformholes taper down in diameter from the platform to the tray bottom.

15. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the cartridgesare configured to comprise upper plugs having a plug axial depth ofinsertion.

16. The cartridge processing system of claim 15, further comprising atamper configured to engage the tray, the tamper having a plurality ofextensions configured to extend through respective ones of the platformholes and into respective ones of the cartridges.

17. The cartridge processing system of claim 16, wherein the pluralityof extensions of the tamper comprise cylinders, and each cylinder has adistal axial length portion configured to substantially match the plugaxial depth of insertion of the upper plugs in the cartridges.

18. A method of processing cartridges, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) loading cartridges in a rack on an underlying support        surface;    -   (b) placing a tray on tops of the cartridges;    -   (c) loading the tray with a selected amount of product;    -   (d) manipulating the product in the tray to fall into the        cartridges;    -   (e) tamping the product in the cartridges further down into the        cartridges;    -   (f) further manipulating product remaining in the tray to fall        into the cartridges;    -   (g) further tamping the product in the cartridges further down        into in the cartridges;    -   (h) removing the tray from the tops of the cartridges;    -   (i) closing tops of the cartridges; and then    -   (j) removing the rack from the underlying support surface.

19. The method claim 18, wherein step (b) comprises aligning the traywith the rack, directly contacting an underside of the tray with thetops of the cartridges, and maintaining a gap between the tray andguides associated with the rack.

20. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the basecomprises handles on opposite sides of the base, wherein the handles areconfigured for manual manipulation of the base by a user.

21. The cartridge processing system of claim 1, wherein the basecomprises a guide extending from the base.

22. The cartridge processing system of claim 21, wherein the guidecomprises guides on opposite sides of the rack.

23. The cartridge processing system of claim 22, wherein the guidescomprise rods extending from the base, wherein the rods are configuredto engage receptacles on the tray.

24. The cartridge processing system of claim 23, wherein the rods areconfigured to guide alignment of the tray with the rack, such that thetray is configured to be vertically spaced apart from the rack when thetray is seated on tops of the cartridges.

25. The cartridge processing system of claim 24, wherein the rods areconfigured to extend through rack receptacles of the rack.

26. The cartridge processing system of claim 24, further comprisingbushings configured to be removably mounted to respective ones of therods.

27. The cartridge processing system of claim 26, wherein the bushingsare configured to be located directly between the rack and the tray.

28. The cartridge processing system of claim 26, wherein the bushingsare configured to be located directly between the base and the tray.

29. The cartridge processing system of claim 26, wherein the bushingshave a bushing axial length that is less than a rod axial length of therods, such that there is a clearance between the bushings and the traywhen the tray is seated on tops of the cartridges.

30. A cartridge processing system, comprising:

-   -   a rack configured to support cartridges on an underlying support        surface, the rack having a base with base holes, a support        extending from the base, support holes in the support, and the        base holes are substantially coaxial with respective ones of the        support holes, such that the cartridges are configured to extend        through the support holes above the rack, and through the base        holes into contact with the underlying support surface; and    -   a tray comprising a platform with platform holes configured to        be substantially coaxially aligned with the base and support        holes of the rack, the tray having a funnel extending from the        platform, wherein the funnel forms a perimeter around the        platform holes, such that the platform holes are configured to        be conduits for product to be placed in the cartridges.

31. The cartridge processing system of claim 30, wherein the support ofthe rack is cantilevered from the base.

32. The cartridge processing system of claim 30, wherein the base holeshave a base hole diameter that is less than a support hole diameter ofthe support holes.

33. The cartridge processing system of claim 32, wherein the base holediameter is greater than a cartridge outer diameter of the cartridges.

34. The cartridge processing system of claim 30, wherein both the baseand the platform are substantially flat.

35. The cartridge processing system of claim 34, wherein the base andplatform are substantially parallel to each other and joined by a curvedmember to form a c-shaped side view profile.

36. The cartridge processing system of claim 30, further comprising aguide configured to be located adjacent the rack, the guide having wallsextending substantially vertically therefrom.

37. The cartridge processing system of claim 36, wherein a lower end ofthe tray comprises receptacles configured to engage respective ones ofthe walls of the guide.

38. The cartridge processing system of claim 36, wherein the walls arelocated on opposite lateral sides of the guide, the guide has an openfront and bottom configured to receive the rack, an open top and aclosed back extending between the walls.

39. The cartridge processing system of claim 38, wherein the closed backhas a shorter vertical height than the walls.

40. The cartridge processing system of claim 37, wherein the platform ofthe tray is opposite the lower end.

41. The cartridge processing system of claim 40, wherein the lower endcomprises cartridge recesses that circumscribe respective ones of theplatform holes, and the cartridge recesses are configured to receivetops of respective ones of the cartridges.

42. The cartridge processing system of claim 36, wherein the tray isconfigured to seat on tops of the cartridges, the guide is configured toguide alignment of the tray with the guide, such that the tray isconfigured to be vertically spaced apart from the guide when the tray isseated on tops of the cartridges.

43. The cartridge processing system of claim 30, wherein the platformholes have a platform hole diameter that is less than a cartridge innerdiameter of the cartridges.

44. The cartridge processing system of claim 43, wherein the platformholes taper down in diameter from an upper vertical elevation to a lowervertical elevation at the cartridge inner diameter.

45. The cartridge processing system of claim 30, wherein the cartridgescomprise upper plugs having a plug axial depth of insertion.

46. The cartridge processing system of claim 45, further comprising atamper configured to engage the tray, the tamper having a plurality ofextensions configured to extend through respective ones of the platformholes and into respective ones of the cartridges.

47. The cartridge processing system of claim 46, wherein the pluralityof extensions of the tamper comprise cylinders, and each cylinder has adistal axial length portion configured to substantially match the plugaxial depth of insertion of the upper plugs in the cartridges.

48. A method of processing cartridges, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) loading cartridges in a rack on an underlying support        surface;    -   (b) loading a tray with a selected amount of product;    -   (c) manipulating the product in the tray to fall into the        cartridges;    -   (d) tamping the product in the cartridges further down into the        cartridges;    -   (e) further manipulating product remaining in the tray to fall        into the cartridges;    -   (f) further tamping the product in the cartridges further down        into in the cartridges;    -   (g) removing the tray from the tops of the cartridges;    -   (h) closing tops of the cartridges; and then    -   (i) sliding the rack off of the underlying support surface and        supporting the rack above a container such that the cartridges        fall through a bottom of the rack into the container.

49. The method claim 48, wherein after step (a) and before step (b) themethod further comprises positioning a frame around the rack ofcartridges.

50. The method claim 49, further comprising aligning the tray with theframe and seating the tray on tops of the cartridges; and wherein step(g) comprises removing the tray from the tops of the cartridges, and therack of cartridges from the frame.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments,including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill inthe art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is definedby the claims, and can include other examples that occur to thoseskilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within thescope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentstructural elements with insubstantial differences from the literallanguages of the claims.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiescan be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofinvention.

It can be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used throughout this patent document. The term “communicate,” aswell as derivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirectcommunication. The term “discreet,” as well as derivatives thereof,references to the amount of skin exposed by a user of the garment,rather than the type of style of the garment. The terms “include” and“comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion withoutlimitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase“associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, can mean to include,be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within,connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperatewith, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. Thephrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means thatdifferent combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used,and only one item in the list can be needed. For example, “at least oneof: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, Aand B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

The description in the present application should not be read asimplying that any particular element, step, or function is an essentialor critical element that must be included in the claim scope. The scopeof patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims.Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect toany of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words“means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim,followed by a participle phrase identifying a function.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that cancause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, sacrosanctor an essential feature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatcertain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, references to valuesstated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. As used herein, theterms “substantial” and “substantially” means, when comparing variousparts to one another, that the parts being compared are equal to or areso close enough in dimension that one skill in the art would considerthe same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, are not limitedto a single dimension and specifically include a range of values forthose parts being compared. The range of values, both above and below(e.g., “+/−” or greater/lesser or larger/smaller), includes a variancethat one skilled in the art would know to be a reasonable tolerance forthe parts mentioned.

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles andvarious embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations andmodifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once theabove disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the followingclaims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A cartridge processing system, comprising: a baseconfigured to support cartridges on an underlying support surface, thebase comprises rods extending from the base; a rack with support holesconfigured to support respective ones of the cartridges, the rackcomprises rack receptacles, and the rods of the base are configured toextend through the rack receptacles of the rack; a tray comprising atray bottom configured to be removably placed on the cartridges, thetray has receptacles and the rods are configured to engage thereceptacles in the tray, the rods are configured to guide alignment ofthe tray with the rack, the tray has a platform with platform holesconfigured to be substantially coaxially aligned with respective ones ofthe support holes, and the tray has a funnel extending from theplatform, wherein the funnel forms a perimeter around the platformholes, such that the platform holes are configured to be conduits forproduct to be placed in the cartridges; and bushings configured to beremovably mounted to respective ones of the rods on a top of the rackand below a bottom of the tray.
 22. The cartridge processing system ofclaim 21, wherein the base and the rack are integrally formed as asingle, monolithic structure.
 23. The cartridge processing system ofclaim 21, wherein the base and the rack are separate components, suchthat the rack can be placed on and removed from the base.
 24. Thecartridge processing system of claim 21, wherein the rack comprises aplurality of racks, each of which can be selectively used with the base.25. The cartridge processing system of claim 21, wherein the supportholes comprise a support hole inner diameter that is greater than acartridge outer diameter of the cartridges.
 26. The cartridge processingsystem of claim 21, wherein both the base and the platform aresubstantially flat.
 27. The cartridge processing system of claim 21,wherein the platform of the tray is opposite the tray bottom.
 28. Thecartridge processing system of claim 27, wherein the tray bottomcomprises cartridge recesses that circumscribe respective ones of theplatform holes, and the cartridge recesses are configured to receivetops of respective ones of the cartridges.
 29. The cartridge processingsystem of claim 21, wherein the platform holes have a platform holediameter that is less than a cartridge inner diameter of the cartridges.30. The cartridge processing system of claim 29, wherein the platformholes taper down in diameter from the platform to the tray bottom, suchthat a platform diameter at a top of the platform is larger than a traybottom diameter at a bottom of the tray bottom.
 31. The cartridgeprocessing system of claim 21, wherein the cartridges are configured tocomprise upper plugs at the tops of the cartridges, and the upper plugshave a plug axial depth of insertion inside the cartridges, and bottomplugs installed inside bottoms of the cartridges.
 32. The cartridgeprocessing system of claim 31, further comprising a tamper configured toengage the tray, the tamper having a plurality of extensions configuredto extend through respective ones of the platform holes and intorespective ones of the cartridges, and each extension has a distal axiallength portion configured to substantially match the plug axial depth ofinsertion of the upper plugs in the cartridges.
 33. A cartridgeprocessing system, comprising: a base configured to support cartridgeson an underlying support surface, the base comprises rods extending fromthe base; a rack with support holes configured to support respectiveones of the cartridges on the base, the rack comprises rack receptacles,and the rods of the base are configured to extend through the rackreceptacles of the rack; a tray comprising a tray bottom configured tobe removably placed on tops of the cartridges, the tray has receptaclesand the rods are configured to engage the receptacles in the tray, therods are configured to guide alignment of the tray with the rack, thetray has a platform with platform holes configured to be substantiallycoaxially aligned with respective ones of the support holes, the trayhas a funnel extending from the platform, wherein the funnel forms aperimeter around the platform holes such that the platform holes areconfigured to be conduits for product to be placed in the cartridges,the platform holes taper down in diameter from the platform to the traybottom such that a platform diameter at a top of the platform is largerthan a tray bottom diameter at a bottom of the tray bottom; and bushingsconfigured to be removably mounted to respective ones of the rods on atop of the rack and below a bottom of the tray.
 34. The cartridgeprocessing system of claim 33, further comprising a tamper configured toengage the tray, the tamper having a plurality of extensions configuredto extend through respective ones of the platform holes and intorespective ones of the cartridges, and each extension has a distal axiallength portion configured to substantially match the plug axial depth ofinsertion of the upper plugs in the cartridges.
 35. The cartridgeprocessing system of claim 33, wherein the cartridges are configured tocomprise upper plugs at tops of the cartridges, and the upper plugs havea plug axial depth of insertion inside the cartridges, and bottom plugsinstalled inside bottoms of the cartridges.
 36. A cartridge processingsystem, comprising: a base configured to support cartridges on anunderlying support surface, the base comprises rods extending from thebase; a rack with support holes configured to support respective ones ofthe cartridges on the base, the rack comprises rack receptacles, therods of the base are configured to extend through the rack receptaclesof the rack, the cartridges are configured to comprise upper plugs attops of the cartridges, and the upper plugs have a plug axial depth ofinsertion inside the cartridges, and bottom plugs are installed insidebottoms of the cartridges; a tray comprising a tray bottom configured tobe removably placed on tops of the cartridges, the tray has receptaclesand the rods are configured to engage the receptacles in the tray, therods are configured to guide alignment of the tray with the rack, thetray has a platform with platform holes configured to be substantiallycoaxially aligned with respective ones of the support holes, the trayhas a funnel extending from the platform, wherein the funnel forms aperimeter around the platform holes such that the platform holes areconfigured to be conduits for product to be placed in the cartridges,the platform holes taper down in diameter from the platform to the traybottom such that a platform diameter at a top of the platform is largerthan a tray bottom diameter at a bottom of the tray bottom; bushingsconfigured to be removably mounted to respective ones of the rods on atop of the rack and below a bottom of the tray; and a tamper configuredto engage the tray, the tamper having a plurality of extensionsconfigured to extend through respective ones of the platform holes andinto respective ones of the cartridges, and each extension has a distalaxial length portion configured to substantially match the plug axialdepth of insertion of the upper plugs in the cartridges.